2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Test Drive Review

The newest Jeep Grand Cherokee, when equipped with one of Jeep's three different four-wheel drive systems, is luxuriously refined and ruggedly handsome, with off-road capabilities that boggle the mind.
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HerHighway took to the streets and off-road test driving the newly updated 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. From Santa Monica to Malibu to San Diego the luxury in this vehicle is amazing. The 2012 model is the Salute to 70 Years of Freedom, with special editions of every vehicle in the Jeep troop. Exclusive anniversary packages include Bronze Star Pearl Coat paint, premium wheels, interior and exterior 70th Anniversary badges, enhanced interior options and more. It's been said that many SUVs, especially the two-wheel drive varieties, are really just glorified station wagons. But ladies, we can tell you firsthand, that generalization doesn't apply to the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not even close!

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The newest Jeep Grand Cherokee (JGC), when equipped with one of Jeep's three different four-wheel drive systems, is luxuriously refined and ruggedly handsome, with off-road capabilities that boggle the mind. What more could you ask for in a mid-sized SUV?

Inside the cabin, the new Grand is well put together: High quality materials not only look great, but also have a pleasant feel and touch. The sporty bucket seats up front are comfortable and supportive, and the rear seats have ideal cushioning while also affording plenty of knee and legroom. Behind the rear seat, the 2012 JGC offers 35 cubic feet cargo room for cargo, and that space doubles to 69 cubes with the back seats folded flat. That's ample room for his and her snowboards or surfboards, or that major haul from Nordstrom that he doesn't necessarily need to know about.

The Standard equipment list on the new JGC is very impressive: 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, tilt / telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, plus a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Upgrade to the next option package and you'll enjoy keyless entry/ignition, a power driver seat, satellite radio and USB/iPod interface.

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For even more technology and creature comforts, choose the "Security and Convenience" package. It includes remote engine start, bluetooth, USB/iPod interface, and more. Other available options include navigation, leather upholstery, back-up camera, a power passenger seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery and a nine-speaker premium sound system. As you might expect from a Jeep with serious off-road prowess, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is packed with safety features: standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

With three different trim levels (Laredo, Limited, and Overland) three different engines (3.6-liter V6, 5.7-liter V8, 6.4-liter V8) -- and so many optional features, you'll be able to configure your "refined and rugged" Jeep Grand Cherokee exactly the way you want it.

Additional HerHighway automotive reviews bumper to bumper and everything along the way can be seen on our website, twitter and facebook so follow along and enjoy the ride.

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